Landlords asked to comply with law

Daily Sun News

Monday, June 13, 2011

In an effort to increase the number of licensed rental dwellings in the City of Sunnyside, the Sunnyside Police Department has mailed letters and rental unit applications to all identified landlords in the City of Sunnyside.

Sunnyside Deputy Police Chief Phil Schenk said, "We understand that some of these landlords have already registered their rentals, or that some of these dwellings may not meet the specifications of a rental house. If that is the case, we ask that those property owners receiving the letters mail back a written explanation of the circumstances regarding their property."

He said, "We encourage landlords to cooperate with the Sunnyside Police Department immediately. Failure to do so will lead to enforcement action. Complying with the Crime-Free Rental Housing Program is an easy way for landlords to help the Sunnyside Police Department in their efforts to rid the City of Sunnyside of gangs and gang activity."

The Sunnyside Police Department reminds citizens and landlords in the City of Sunnyside that the newly adopted Crime-Free Rental Housing Ordinance is now in effect.

Chapter 5.02 of the Sunnyside Municipal Code deals with crime-free rental housing and can be found at http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/sunnyside/ under chapter five.

Additionally, the department reminds citizens that according to chapter 5.02.020 "No person shall rent, lease, or let any residential dwelling unit within the City of Sunnyside without securing and maintaining an annual residential rental housing license, issued by the Sunnyside Police Department, for each residential rental unit as required by this chapter."

Licenses can be obtained through the Sunnyside Police Department.

The annual licensing fee shall be waived for any person participating in the Sunnyside crime-free rental housing program and providing any certifications required for such participation within six months of issuance of the residential rental housing license. Those individuals must also agree to continued compliance with all requirements for participation in the program.

Those with additional questions regarding this ordinance or required participation in the program are urged to call the Sunnyside Police Department at 500-837-2120.